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Quick FactsOverview
Overview
Wild Willys Hot Spring is a set of natural soaking pools in the Long Valley area east of Mammoth Lakes. A raised boardwalk crosses the meadow from the parking area to the main pool, so access is straightforward compared with many backcountry springs. Expect an undeveloped site: no attendants, no restrooms, and no trash service. The pools are rock and sand lined, with a larger main pool and smaller nearby pools that can feel different from day to day as flow and weather change.
Because it is easy to reach, the vibe ranges from quiet morning soaks to busy evenings. If you prefer more privacy, visit midweek or earlier in the day. Conditions are fully outdoors and exposed, so bring layers for the walk back to the car, sun protection in warm months, and a headlamp for low light. Cell service can be inconsistent in the valley, so download maps before you drive out.
Water quality and temperature are not managed, so soak based on comfort and step in slowly. After storms, high use days, or strong winds, the pools can look cloudy or have debris. If anything seems off, choose another pool or come back later. Plan to keep the area quiet, share space politely, and pack out everything you bring in so the springs remain usable for others.
Location & Access
Location & Access
Wild Willys is east of Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, reached from US 395 via Benton Crossing Road (often signed as Green Church Road). From the highway, drive out into the open valley, then turn onto the unpaved spur that leads to the signed parking area for the hot springs. The last stretch is typically dirt and can be washboarded, so take it slow and avoid it if recent weather has made the surface rutted.
Using GPS works well if you load the map before leaving town. The hot spring itself is a short distance from the parking area, and the boardwalk helps protect the meadow. Please stay on the boardwalk where it is provided and use established paths near the pools so fragile ground is not trampled.
From the lot, follow the wooden boardwalk across the meadow to the soaking pools. The walk is short and mostly level, but the boardwalk can be slick when wet, icy in cold weather, or dusty when it is windy. There are no services at the trailhead, so bring water, a small towel, and footwear you do not mind getting muddy. A headlamp is useful if you arrive near dusk or leave after dark.
This area is in a wide, open basin with little shade. Wind can be strong and temperatures can swing quickly, so keep warm layers in the car. If you are visiting in winter conditions, check road and weather reports for the region before you go, and be ready to turn around if access roads are not passable.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability & Accessibility
This spring suits travelers who are comfortable with a natural, unstaffed setting and who can handle basic outdoor conditions. The walk from the parking area is short, and many visitors treat it as an easy stop while passing through the Eastern Sierra. Families do visit, but keep in mind that clothing optional soaking is common and the atmosphere can vary with the crowd.
Access is easier than most wild springs because of the boardwalk, yet it is still not a built facility. The soaking edges are uneven, and entering the pools usually means stepping over rocks or soft ground. If you have limited balance or need stable handholds, plan to have assistance. For wheelchair users, the route and pool entry points are not purpose built, so this is generally not a good match.
There is no lighting, so night visits require a headlamp and extra care around the pool rims. The open meadow can feel exposed in windy weather, and there is little natural shade in summer. Pets are sometimes brought to the area; for safety and courtesy, keep them close and out of the water. If you prefer a controlled environment, consistent rules, and facilities like showers or lockers, choose a developed hot spring resort instead.
For most visitors, the best experience comes from keeping your setup simple: a small bag with water, towel, sandals, and a warm layer. That approach makes it easier to enjoy the soak and leave the site clean.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety & Etiquette
Wild Willys is generally safe when approached like any other natural water site. There are no lifeguards or staff, and the pools are not cleaned or monitored. Step in slowly and avoid soaking if you have open cuts. If the water looks unusually cloudy or has strong odor, pick a different pool or return another day. Do not use soap, shampoo, or detergents in the pools, and keep food and drinks away from the waterline.
The most common issues here are related to exposure and conditions. Wind, sun, and cold evenings can catch people off guard, so bring layers and drink water. The ground near the pools can be muddy and slick, and the boardwalk can be slippery when wet or icy, so walk carefully and use sandals with traction. At night, use a headlamp and keep track of the boardwalk so you do not wander into soft ground. Cell service may not be reliable, so do not assume you can call for help quickly.
Etiquette is simple: share space, keep noise low, and respect privacy. Clothing optional soaking is typical, so avoid staring and keep photos and video pointed away from others. If you are soaking nude, keep a towel within reach for walking past others. Pack out all trash, including small items like bottle caps and cigarette butts. Glass containers are a bad idea because broken glass is hard to find and dangerous in bare feet.
If you bring a dog, keep it leashed and out of the pools to protect water quality. Parking is limited, so carpool when you can and do not block access roads. Leave the meadow as you found it by staying on established routes, and do not move rocks or dig new pools.
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